Sensory Processing Disorders and ADHD

Updated on March 12, 2011

Sensory Processing Disorder, also known as Sensory
Integration Disorder, is when sensations like taste, sight, smell, touch, and
sound are perceived differently in the brain. Sensory processing disorders are
often found in people with attention deficit disorders and autism spectrum
disorders, but not always. There are a large number of people that have been
diagnosed with sensory processing disorders that do not have any other developmental
disorders. Sensory processing disorder has become a modern phenomenon, and it
was not recognized until the last ten to twenty years.

Researchers once thought that sensory processing
disorder was attributed to childhood abuse and sexual trauma, but alter began
to recognize that it is also more commonly associated with ADHD and other types
of developmental disorders. Deficits in sensory processing are an integral
component of autism spectrum disorders. Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders
have dramatically increased over the past decade. However, it is unclear
whether the increase in autism is actually due to improved assessment and
increased awareness or if the disorder is actually more common than in the
past.

For people with ADHD and other attention deficit
disorders, sensory processing disorder can cause increased difficulty in
learning. These types of disorders range in severity, and it is quite common
for someone with a sensory processing problem to have increased symptoms at
certain times and less noticeable symptoms at other times. A child with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders
may be sensitive to certain types of clothing and complain about fabrics that
are “itchy.”

Those with sensory processing disorder may also have
difficulty talking on the phone or turn the television up too loud. It is
common for people with sensory processing disorders to turn the TV up during
dialogue, but turn it down when there is music or any type of background noise.
Children with ADHD may also have increased sensitivity to certain types of
foods. Those with autism spectrum disorders may also eat only one type of food
for an extended period of time. For example, he or she may prefer to only eat
cereal or pizza for days on end.

At times, the increased sensitivity to touch can
make things like taking a shower or brushing teeth almost unbearable for people
with sensory processing difficulties or ADHD. This is also quite common in
autism spectrum disorders like Asperger’s syndrome. At times, those with
sensory problems may be more sensitive to things than at other times. Also, an
ADHD child may at times crave something that they normally find “itchy,” loud, or
otherwise unbearable in order to satisfy certain sensory needs. This could be
true for foods, sounds, smells, or even touch.

Adults with ADHD and sensory processing disorders
typically become risk-takers, often engaging in risky or dangerous activities.
However, children with these types of sensory problems can overcome many of
their difficulties through certain types of “play” therapy. Using Play-Doh or
other types of textured materials helps increase tactile processing. Music can
also benefit those with sensitivities to sound. Activities that involve
shaking, pulling, pushing, jumping, and bouncing are also beneficial for some
children with ADHD and sensory processing disorders.

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